15 Ways to Save Big on Your Dream Wedding

No blowout is bigger than your wedding day. So when the opportunity presents itself, many of us want to go all out on the day we’ll never forget.

But increasingly, those big dreams require us to have even larger wallets. Couples shelled out an average of $32,641 on weddings in 2015, according to . The website says:

The Knot started tracking the average cost of a wedding in 2006, and since then, the national average wedding cost has seriously skyrocketed. In fact, just last year, the average wedding cost for 2014 was at $31,213, a $1,408 difference.

The Knot reminds us that costs vary widely — couples in South Dakota spent $18,890, while those in New York City spent $82,299. But no matter how you slice it, the cost of getting hitched is soaring.

Instead of spending a mint on your nuptials, check out these 15 tips that can help you pare down the bill. That way, you can spend your money on something that lasts more than a day.

1. Decide what is non-negotiable

There’s nothing wrong with spending a little money on your big day, but make sure you’re spending it on something meaningful. Sit down with your betrothed and decide together your priorities for the occasion.

Remember you’re on a budget, so limit your must-haves to one or two items each.

2. Forget what the experts say

Once you know where you want to spend your money, eliminate many nonessentials. Worry less about what the wedding industry says you must do and more about what works best for your family.

Here are a few of the items it might make sense to eliminate:

Save-the-date cards. Isn’t that why we have Facebook and phones?

Professional makeup. Do your own or ask a friend instead.

Printed programs. Your family and friends do know who you are, right?

Champagne toast. Let guests use whatever’s in front of them.

Guest favors. Guests are there to see you, not get a reward.

Videographer. Are you really going to watch the ceremony again and again?

3. Use less expensive invites

Engraved wedding invitations are a tradition, but you’ll spend a lot of money on paper that might be destined for the recycling bin.

Depending on your comfort level, there are several less expensive options to consider:

Buy some high-quality paper and then design and print your own at home.

Use a website such as or to design and print less expensive invites.

Look for thermography invitations. The raised words mimic the look of engraved ones but at a lower cost.

4. Invite only those you truly love

This is a tough one. Once you start inviting some people, you start to feel obligated to invite others. However, limiting your invite list is one of the best ways to lower your overall wedding cost.

Obviously, unless there are extenuating circumstances, you should probably invite your immediate family and best friends. Beyond that, be stingy with the invitations. If there is anyone you’re secretly hoping won’t attend, don’t send them an invite in the first place.

To soften the blow, you could invite everyone who didn’t make the cut to an informal gathering — think “backyard barbecue” — after the honeymoon. Just don’t call it a reception, or your guests might think you are merely angling for gifts.

5. Ask to be gifted with someone’s talent

You have to walk a fine line on this suggestion to avoid a tacky breach of etiquette.

Within your circle of family or friends, you likely have some talented people. Folks who can bake like no one’s business, wannabe DJs who could most definitely handle the dance music, and photographers with an amazing eye.

The problem is that asking for gifts is always a no-no. Instead, you could wait for these people to ask what you want and then suggest a gift of their talent. Another option might be to ask their professional fee and see if they volunteer a discount or gift of their service.

6. Design your own centerpieces

Head to the dollar store for some cheap vases or glass containers and make your own centerpieces. It could be as simple as putting some marbles at the bottom, filling with water and floating a tea light.

If you have crafty friends, ask for their input. Or head to Pinterest for inspiration.

7. Get married someplace naturally beautiful

For decorations at the wedding site, use what’s on hand rather than trucking in a van full of flowers.

Depending on the time of year, many churches are already beautifully decorated, especially after Christmas and Easter.

Or, if you aren’t planning a church wedding, hold your event in a botanical garden, on the beach or at a park, where nature can provide most of the decoration.

Find the best:

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